Why Elin Nordegren Demolished Her $12M Mansion

By Ali Berman | January 8, 2012

Like us on Facebook:

The current article you are reading does not reflect the views of the current editors and contributors of the new Ecorazzi

Most eco advocates felt their faces grow red with anger when they read the news last week that Elin Nordegrenknocked down her 17,000 square foot Florida mansion to build a new one. Thankfully, Nordegren wasn’t just being picky. She had solid reasons behind the demolition.

Her builder told People, “It wasn’t built to the South Florida wind-loading codes of today that were put in place because of hurricanes. We had an architect and a structural engineer out here and everyone agreed that it made more sense – structurally and economically – to tear it down and start over.”

Nodegren, the former wife of Tiger Woods, made charitable use of the structure before it was leveled. She invited Habitat for Humanity into the mansion to strip it for all its parts including tens of thousands of dollars worth of cabinets, fixtures and more.

When Habitat for Humanity was going through the residence, they found termite and carpenter ants everywhere. Yet another reason why they say it was a better move for Nordegren to start from scratch.

Bobbi Blodgett, the director of deconstruction for the organization, said about the demolition, “To rebuild that house would have been ridiculous. We’re so grateful to Elin. It’s rare we get this kind of donation.”

I will reiterate that I hope Elin plans on building a smaller home with eco features in mind. One could argue that 17,000 square feet for three people is a little bit excessive.